| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Using Software
Using Sharing Software: This is the most complicated option. A server computer has two NICs: one connects to the cable modem, and one connects to a hub that, in turn, connects to the other computers. The server computer must be turned on and running sharing software for the other computers to have Internet access. Sharing software is included in Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP. Otherwise, it must be purchased separately. Configuration can be easy or difficult, depending on your network and the software you choose. Also, depending on the speed of your server computer, you may experience reduced Internet speed. As with routers, however, there are no extra monthly fees, and your computers are hidden from hackers.
Sharing software is actually much easier than it used to be. You only need to know that the server computer runs the sharing software, and the client computer(s) receive Internet access through the server computer. Most of the configuration can be done automatically. A different way to wire. Better yet, if you have just two computers, you don't even need a hub! You can simply use a crossover cable to connect your two computers directly to each other. As long as you're not planning on adding any computers to your network later, this can save you $30 or more. Even if you decide to be completely traditional, you have the choice between a hub and a switch. They perform identical functions, but switches run more efficiently and cost a little more. If you have just two or three comptuers, it's probably worth the saved cash to stick to a hub. If you have 4+ computers, consider a switch. Once you've made that decision, you need to make sure you have one NIC for each client and two NICs for the server (unless you're using OneNIC?). You can check by looking for an RJ45 jack (it looks like an enlarged phone jack) on the back of each computer. Those that lack the jack will need an NIC. Note: When buying wireless products, you must consider the three competing standards: B (low-speed), G (hi-speed), and A (hi-speed). B and G products are compatible, but both are incompatible with A products. The last item on the list is cabling. Even if you go wireless, you'll still need a cable to connect the cable/DSL modem. Wired networkers will also need one cable per computer (as illustrated at top), or one crossover cable to connect two computers (as illustrated in second diagram). You may have enough cables lying around the house. If not, check out a network cable cable guide to learn about Cat5 and find the right stuff for your setup. When you have all the equipment, set it up---install the NICs, and use the appropriate diagram to connect the cabling. Then check out the software options. It's important to understand that there are two basic technologies behind all sharing software: network address translation (NAT) and proxy. NAT is newer and more popular; it works like a post office that receives your letters and hands them to you. Proxy is more like a post office that receives your letters, reads them, and tells you what's in them. It's less popular than NAT because it's hard to configure, and the reading process slows down communications. Once you've chosen your sharing software, follow the author's installation instructions. The first step is always installing the software on the server. Then, either the client computers must be manually configured, or the sharing software will provide an auto-configuration program for you to use. If you are presented with an option, I always recommend auto-configuration. After that, your Internet sharing setup will or won't work. If it does work, enjoy it. If it doesn't work, there's not much help I can offer. Since each program varies so much, the problems and solutions vary too much for me to provide generic suggestions. However, you can seek help from the website of your sharing software's author. Many of them have knowledge bases that provide detailed answers to a variety of questions. |
| Home Networking Menu |
| Network Settings |
| Router Support Links |
| This just a partial list of some of the most popular routers. If you would like to see another brand listed here, please use the contact form and leave us a message. |
|
Copyright Cebridge Connections ©2004 Last Modified 02/25/10 09:03 ∴|||∴ System Uptime: Privacy Policy |
Cost-effective
Complicated setup/configuration